A Remedy for Inequality
October 29, 2013: The New York Times
To the Editor:
Re "The Middle Class Gets Wise" (Sunday Review, Oct. 20):
Jonathan Cowan and Jim Kessler are right that there are a number of solutions to the problem of income inequality, including getting additional education. But one solution that they and most others overlook is removing the obstacles to allowing workers to form labor unions of their choice.
It is not surprising that income inequality has grown as union density has declined.
Through collective bargaining, workers can improve their own incomes, benefits and working conditions. But they also help nonunion workers through a spillover effect in related industries and by mobilizing their members to increase the minimum wage and other progressive causes.
STUART APPELBAUM
President, Jewish Labor Committee
New York, Oct. 21, 2013